F*** GOD

I understand the frustration that many, dare I saw all, atheists have when it comes to religion. Almost daily we are confronted with it on some level, it's just assumed that EVERYONE is a christian (I know that there are other religions, but all of my run ins have been with christians). If we are to make ourselves known, and more importantly, change perceptions how should we go about it?

Today I came across a t-shirt that said "FUCK GOD". That's a very strong statement. Don't get me wrong, I can't wrap my brain around the concept of a mythical being. However, If we're trying to be heard, I don't feel that statement is the best way to go about it. It would likely put christians on the defense, and reinforce the feelings they have about atheists. Yet, I completely understand the boldness of the message.

Can that t-shirt create positive dialogue, or does it just reinforce the wall that most christians have up? Does it even matter? Your thoughts?

@Glen - Regarding your reply to Steph S., I see where you are coming from. That's what I meant when I said I get the boldness of the message.

Even though I don't feel that is the message I would want to give, I'm indifferent to christians being offended because christianity is thrown in my face almost daily. It makes me afraid for the wearer of that shirt. There are so many wackos out there, I wouldn't want that person to be harmed.

Hey, I have been saying F*** Jesus for years. People think that Jesus is G'd and when I say F*** Jesus they get really pissed. BTW piss is in the KJ bible. When I use that on them they get really upset and cry.

Napoloeon Bonaparte, Insert a your between fuck and god and you have an atheistic statement. Have heard it on many occasions too. It is an expression of contempt and derision. Even without the possessive it is understood that way in context.

"Do not use profanity in the titles of groups, blogs, forums, or in user names as this may cause Nexus as a whole to be blocked by internet filtering policies in some workplace or school environments. Profanity in general is acceptable as long as it is not gratuitous."

Steph S- The majoriity opinion here is unassailable when analyzed in a vacuum. Of course, wearing that shirt is obnoxious, offensive, over the top. . . But guess what, if they are truly religious they wont care about offending atheists or anyone else for that matter. In fact given the power they will seize control of every aspect of life. Things have ameliorated in the US as a result of diminution in religious power. Perhaps you see the message as disproportionate when it is contemplated by Suzie and Joe Average. But dont forget that the moderates are enablers. They continue to praise faith and view "radicals" as an abberation.

Also that fuck god message can be viewed as a response to the endless ass-kissing and mindless praising of god that we hear from athletes who triumph and from survivors of disasters in which others have been killed. Underlying that thank god mentality is the notion of a divine plan, god in control, and intelligent design. So the fuck god is a way of saying that your ideas are absurd and monumentally self-important.

Where there is frustration and a failure to achieve a meeting of the minds, venting is inevitable. Hell, it may be inevitable even WITH a meeting of the minds, so long as said meeting isn't universal.

The problem remains what it always has been: we see the theists' side of the equation, yet they continue to fail to see ours. So long as that remains the status quo, the venting will continue and the theists' reaction to that venting will also.